The padmasana pose of the Buddha in Gandhara style is one of the most famous images in the world, connected with Buddhism and the Ashoka Chakra. Coomaraswamy's book challenges the notion that Buddhas image did not emerge from non-Indian art styles and asserts that it was prevalent in pre-existing Indian art forms. It discusses the symbolisms, necessity of Buddhas image, and anthropomorphic iconography in the creation of Buddhas icons available in early India, and talks about the differences in Indian and historicity of Gandhara and Mathura art.

Format: Hardback
Length: 48 pages
Publication date: 08 May 2024
Publisher: Manohar Publishers and Distributors

The image of Buddha in Gandhara style depicted in the padmasana pose is one of the most popular images of the world. This image is connected with the symbol of Buddhism apart from the Ashoka Chakra. Throughout ancient India, Buddha's image gained popularity in the formation of Mahayana Buddhism. The major question that comes forth is how this art came into being during ancient times. This small volume on Buddhist art by Coomaraswamy challenges the notion that Buddha's image did not emerge from the Indo-Greek and other non-Indian art styles like Kushana or Bactrian. He asserts that Buddha's icon and its representation in various forms, found in monuments, sculptures, and other archaeological structures, was prevalent in the pre-existing Indian art forms. The book discusses the symbolisms, necessity of Buddha's image, and anthropomorphic iconography in the creation of Buddha's icons available in early India, and talks about the differences in Indian and historicity of Gandhara and Mathura art.

The Image of Buddha in Gandhara Style Depicted in the Padmasana Pose

The image of Buddha in Gandhara style depicted in the padmasana pose is one of the most popular images of the world. This image is connected with the symbol of Buddhism apart from the Ashoka Chakra. Throughout ancient India, Buddha's image gained popularity in the formation of Mahayana Buddhism. The major question that comes forth is how this art came into being during ancient times. This small volume on Buddhist art by Coomaraswamy challenges the notion that Buddha's image did not emerge from the Indo-Greek and other non-Indian art styles like Kushana or Bactrian. He asserts that Buddha's icon and its representation in various forms, found in monuments, sculptures, and other archaeological structures, was prevalent in the pre-existing Indian art forms. The book discusses the symbolisms, necessity of Buddha's image, and anthropomorphic iconography in the creation of Buddha's icons available in early India, and talks about the differences in Indian and historicity of Gandhara and Mathura art.

Dimension: 300 x 230 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9788119139644